Product development engineering technician
Also known as: product development consultant engineer, product development engineer, product development research engineer, product development electrical engineer, product development scientist, product development research engineer
About this occupation
Product development engineering technicians improve efficiency of product development, set up equipment and develop and test solutions to solve technical problems. They work closely with engineers and technologists, inspect products, conduct tests and collect data.
Essential skills and knowledge
- provide advice to technicians
- analyse test data
- collaborate with engineers
- use CAD software
- engineering processes
- engineering principles
- develop product design
- inspect quality of products
- adjust engineering designs
- troubleshoot
- create solutions to problems
- material mechanics
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians (O*NET 17-3026.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Adhere to all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures for health, safety, and environmental compliance.
- Oversee or inspect production processes.
- Identify opportunities for improvements in quality, cost, or efficiency of automation equipment.
- Develop or implement programs to address problems related to production, materials, safety, or quality.
- Test selected products at specified stages in the production process for performance characteristics or adherence to specifications.
- Create or interpret engineering drawings, schematic diagrams, formulas, or blueprints for management or engineering staff.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Quality Control Analysis, Systems Analysis
US median pay: US$66,120 a year (2025), 75,570 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.1)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.9)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.8)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.7)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Industrial Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Robotics Technicians
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Automotive Engineering Technicians
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.